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We find my mom and Trixie in the crowd, and the four of us contribute to the offering bucket and take a ride on a grandly decorated carriage, pulled by a gorgeous chestnut America Saddlebred named Figgy.

The gentle sound of the jingle bells around her neck serenade us as we take in the beauty of the lights and the serenity of the water.

Every home on the edge of the lake is festively decorated. Some with colored lights and others with white. There are Santa sleighs, reindeer, snowmen, and elves.

Residents sit out on their front porches, waving and shouting, “Merry Christmas,” as we pass.

“This is something else,” I say as I wave in return.

“Isn’t it?” Mom agrees.

It takes about an hour for us to make the four-mile loop around the water and back to the courtyard. I decide a warm beverage is in order to help defrost my frozen hands.

“Hey there, Hannah. Can I interest you in some hot cocoa? It’s my special recipe,” Hal greets.

“No, thank you, but I’ll take a cup of your strongest coffee,” I reply.

A muffled word comes from behind me. “Boring.”

I turn to find Bran standing in line behind me, holding a Styrofoam cup.

“Excuse me?”

He leans down to my shoulder and repeats himself, “I said, boring. You should have the cocoa.”

I point to his hand. “Is that what’s in your cup?”

He grins. “Uh-huh, with peppermint and extra marshmallows.”

I wrinkle my nose and turn back to Hal. “Sorry, I’m just not a fan,” I explain.

“It’s okay. I’ll get you a coffee.” He takes my money and then gets to work on making a fresh pot.

“Who doesn’t like hot cocoa?”

I turn back to Bran and scowl. “Adults in general. Me in particular. I don’t remember Joseph sipping cocoa in the nativity story,” I say.

“I’m on break, and you’ve just never had a perfect mug of chocolaty goodness before,” he insists.

He holds his cup out to me. I give him a quizzical look as he beckons me with his eyes to take the offering.

“No, thank you.”

“Come on. Take a chance and try something new,” he urges.

I roll my eyes and clasp the warm cup. I bring it to my lips as he watches. Then, I take a quick sip … and it’s delicious.

Dang it.

Hal returns with my purchase, and I give back Bran’s.

“Here you go, Hannah.”

“Thanks, Hal,” I say as I take it from him.

He looks over my shoulder. “Bran, back for a refill already?”

“You know it,” Bran answers as he hands him the cup. “And I’d like another one as well.”

Source: www.allfreenovel.com
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